The Mandurah Magic men are desperate to shake the monkey from their backs and record their first win, and will be hoping to do so when they take on the South West Slammers this weekend.
A re-building team as young as Mandurah’s can’t be judged on wins and losses, but no doubt the side is itching to taste victory for the first time in 2017.
“I think we just need to win for our own confidence,” coach Aaron Trahair said.
“I don’t think we’ve played bad basketball at all. I think three out of our five games have been steps in the right direction, and the other two we probably only had a couple of bad quarters in each.
“The development is on the right track, but wins along the way will be a huge boost for our guys.”
The Magic competed hard against Cockburn in their match last week, equaling the Cougars’ score in the first and last quarters.
They will need to bring a four-quarter effort if they are to upset the Slammers on the road.
“They (the South West) are probably a better side than their win/loss record suggests,” Trahair said.
“I think they’ve had some injuries to guys and they’re better than a one-win team, so we will need to bring plenty to the game if we want to come away with the win.”
The Slammers are led by all-star point guard Tre Nichols, who sits fourth in the State Basketball League’s scoring averages at a damaging 26.2 points per game.
His match-up against Mandurah import Will McNeill has the potential to be a captivating one.
McNeill is the all-time steals leader at Washburn University and found his feet for the Magic last time out with 19 points and six rebounds.
If his strong defence can even slightly nullify Nichols, the Magic would have every chance to come away with the upset.
Tip off for the game is scheduled for 8pm, Saturday at the Eaton Recreation Centre.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
